What is a key characteristic of a phony minefield?

A phony minefield is designed predominantly to mislead and confuse the enemy, which is why the correct choice highlights its intent. The purpose of a phony minefield is to create a false perception of danger, compelling the enemy to alter their route or tactics due to the belief that they are entering an area laden with mines. This tactic can effectively disrupt enemy movements and can serve as a psychological operation to instill fear.

Other options, such as containing real explosives, being heavily guarded, or being permanent, do not accurately describe a phony minefield. In fact, a phony minefield is characterized by its lack of actual explosive devices, minimal to no physical guarding, and it is generally a temporary tactic used to serve a specific purpose in a combat situation. Understanding these characteristics helps differentiate between real minefields and deceptive measures used in warfare.